have i said lately how much i love this little boy?

A + K

It's been 5 years since I made the BEST earthly decision of my life thus far. I mean that. I couldn't have picked a better man to spend my life with. It has never been a roller coaster, but instead, constant and steady. I don't think at the young age of 23 I realized how important that decision would be, but I'm thankful that the Lord did and that he gave me Aaron.  He is my sounding board, my helper, my talk-some-sense-into-me kind of husband. The husband who does the dishes and laundry, paint and repaints again, and works incredibly hard to provide for us. The kind of man who serves others joyfully, delights in his son, and loves those around him. A husband who makes life fun and makes me laugh daily, all the while still able to have a real and deep conversation about God, our future and life.

Five years later, I am so much more in love with him than the day that we were married. I'm in love with this handsome man who lives this life with me. The man who walks beside me daily, encouraging, loving, and always laughing with me. Thank you Lord for giving me such an incredible man.

I love you Aaron!

My Gram

Sunday was a good morning. We had woken up for our last day in Vermont with the Magees. I was making bacon and eggs when my dad called. My hands were full and I just let it go to voicemail. I thought it was weird that he was calling at 9 on a Sunday morning, also weird that he actually left a voicemail. It was Gram. She had passed away at 4:30 this morning. I didn't really know how to react. I had visited with her at Christmas. She wasn't doing well and was barely talking. It was a drastic change from when I was hanging out with her over Labor Day. I knew that I was probably going to get this phone call, but I didn't think so soon. I mean really, I didn't want that phone call. ever. I really loved my Grandma and had a great relationship with her. Her and my Grandpa loved me and I knew it. It was so evident to me in the time that they spent with me, in the way that they were involved with my life, and in the many times that they had told me so. I can remember summers spent hanging out with Gram during the day. She watched my sisters and I every day during our summer breaks. She made me pancakes nearly every day. She called me the pancake kid. I'm so thankful for my Grandma and her influence on my life. I'm thankful that she was willing to hang out with us and love us and put up with all our crazy non-sense.




I got one last "I love you" from Grandma at Christmas. She wasn't really talking or responding to much. She was smiling at Everett and seemed happy to see us. Dad and I stayed to hang out for a while longer. We fed her dinner and watched Jeopardy, which Gram loved. We talked with her, even though she wasn't talking back. As we got ready to leave I hugged her, gave her a kiss and told her I loved her, and to my surprise, she said I love you too. It was one last sweet reminder of what I already knew. 

picture perfect

My husband is a sweet man and he humors me in most of my requests. For my birthday, he promised me a family photo session. This is a big deal because 1) I have been wanting some pictures of the 3 of us and 2) Aaron would probably rather be shoveling manure than getting pictures taken... haha. So, yes, my sweet husband gave me a perfect gift. We were so lucky to have Denise DeBolt take some family pictures for us. (You may remember she took some maternity shots of us a few weeks before Everett made his arrival). I couldn't love these photos more or the two men in them!

happy 1/2 year!

Exactly 6 months ago today, Aaron and I were in the hospital looking at this tiny little person that was suddenly ours. It was scary and crazy and exciting all at once! We were unsure about how things would change, if we could figure out this whole parenting thing, and if life would ever be the same.

Well, 6 months later life is different, but in an incredible kind of way. Everett is such an amazing blessing. Who knew you could love someone so much?! He is growing up so fast! He's sweet and laid back (unless you aren't feeding him fast enough-ha!) and pretty content. He is happy to lay on his playmat and play with the dogs or to hang out in Aaron's lap when he's doing work. He rolls all over the place and often winds up partially under our living room furniture! He's started to rock on his hands and knees and seems like he's trying to figure out how to get where he wants to go. Everett loves to eat and can't get enough of his rice cereal or vegetables. Much like his mama though, the sweet stuff (pears) seem to be his favorite. Everett has doubled his birth weight and has the cutest, chubby cheeks that are overtaking his face. We are continually amazed at how fast he's growing and how lucky we are that he is such a sweet, easy going little boy.

Happy 1/2 year Everett! We couldn't love you more! ♥